Bombed bandstand rises again

A GAZEBO severely damaged by the IRA bomb will be given a new lease of life as a bandstand. The red steel structure was originally set up by the old Corn Exchange at a cost of £20,000. It was there for just three years before the bomb exploded on nearby Corporation Street in June 1996.

A GAZEBO severely damaged by the IRA bomb will be given a new lease of life as a bandstand.

The red steel structure was originally set up by the old Corn Exchange at a cost of £20,000. It was there for just three years before the bomb exploded on nearby Corporation Street in June 1996.

The 3,300lb bomb destroyed much of the surrounding area and the gazebo's frame bent after being struck by flying debris. It has been rusting in a council yard for the past decade but it will now be restored to glory in Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield.

Anne Tucker, of The Friends of Platt Fields Park, said: "The bandstand should be erected before the end of the summer, in an area behind the lake. It will be used for lots of different events, including jazz, Dixie and traditional brass bands, and as a covered area for children's workshops."

The bandstand, which will have grass on the roof, will cost £18,000 to restore and erect in the Wilmslow Road park.

Street furniture firm Woodhouse, which made the original gazebo, is working on the project. The steel structure is currently in its Leamington Spa depot.